Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) has selected Airbus to provide in-flight connectivity equipment for its 20 A350-1000 aircraft on order, making Delta the first North American customer for Airbus' HBCplus linefit offering.

Airbus will collaborate with Delta and Hughes to install a multi-orbit in-flight connectivity solution on Delta's A350-1000s. The system uses Airbus' HBCplus technology as the foundation for aircraft integration, combined with Hughes' "Fusion" connectivity product.

The connectivity solution will include both linefit installation and post-delivery modifications. For the low earth orbit portion of the Fusion system, Airbus will support Delta in adding an electronically steered array antenna after aircraft delivery.

"Leveraging Airbus' industry leading systems integration and engineering capabilities, to integrate our Hughes' multi-orbit IFC solution, is a natural partnership that is already bringing real value to our delivery streams," said Joseph Eddy, Delta's Director of Cabin Programmes.

Hughes will provide its multi-orbit connectivity technology as part of the Airbus HBCplus program. Reza Rasoulian, SVP and GM of Hughes' Aviation Business Unit, said the company expects its Fusion technology to provide connectivity "from gate to gate" on Delta's A350-1000 fleet.

Airbus and Delta have also agreed to explore HBCplus "modular" technology and integration with Delta's Sync platform. The modular version represents the next generation of HBCplus, capable of accommodating up to two antennas and connecting to multiple satellite systems.

HBCplus is Airbus' satellite connectivity solution available as both a factory-installed option and retrofit for all Airbus aircraft programs. The system allows airlines to connect with various managed service providers through certified terminals and radomes built into the aircraft.